The productivity performance of a paper mill operating during a labor strike PublicDeposited

Descriptions

The purpose of this study was to determine whether knowledge
beneficial to an organization operating under normal conditions could
be gained by studying a manufacturing plant operating with salaried
personnel during a labor strike. It was hypothesized that no difference
in productivity would exist between the strike work force study
period and the comparison period of the previous year. An interview
form was used to collect demographic data and data concerning changes
in those factors affecting the productivity of the work force. Additional
demographic data and several measures of productivity were
later collected. Because no major changes in equipment or machinery
had taken place from the beginning of the comparison period to the
end of the study period, any changes observed would be a result of
differences in the motivational systems, the characteristics of the
work forces, the organizational structure, and the work or production
methods between the before strike and during strike periods. The
demographic profiles of the two work forces differed little, except
with respect to education; whereas the motivational systems, organizational
structures, and work methods differed considerably. A portion
of the motivational system might be transferable to an organization
operating under normal circumstances. Improvements to work methods
might be more successfully transferred, and would be a likely area
to target for lost cost but effective productivity improvements.